Scored 8/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The Health Data Bill
Medi-Cal plans must share health data to improve care
Medi-Cal: behavioral health: data sharing.
Good for everyday people ·
The bill would force Medi-Cal health plans to electronically share patient data, aiming to help members get better coordinated care while keeping privacy rules.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
If passed, patients could see smoother treatment because doctors and programs will have the right info, but the new reporting may cost plans and could raise privacy worries, so public comment matters now.
Take action
Add your name. At 100 signatures we compile this petition and deliver it to the office — and every signer gets a message to send their own representatives.
0 of 100 in‑district signatures
Step 1 · Pick your position
Step 2 · Add your name
Sign in to oppose this billPicking a side above doesn't sign anything yet — a free account records your name on the petition and keeps it one signature per person. We'll bring you straight back here with your choice saved.
The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- Requires Medi-Cal managed care plans, county specialty mental health plans, Drug Medi-Cal programs, and DMC-ODS programs to electronically share data for members.
- State agency must set minimum data elements, sharing frequency, and format by March 1, 2026 and publish final guidance by Jan 1, 2027.
- Data sharing must follow HIPAA and other federal privacy rules; the bill says privacy protections are not reduced.
- Plans must comply within 180 days after guidance is issued.
- The bill does not provide new funding for the data systems.
How they voted
The actual floor vote, and who broke from their own party.
Want to see how your representatives voted on this? Find your reps →
In the news
Scanning the news for this bill…
Headlines gathered from across the news, starting points to explore, not endorsements. Always read the official text before acting.
Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the California Bill Book 2026
The best and worst California bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
Get the free PDF →